The Frames (formed 1990) is a band based primarily in Dublin, Ireland. As o… Read Full Bio ↴The Frames (formed 1990) is a band based primarily in Dublin, Ireland. As of late 2004, the band consists of Glen Hansard (vocals, guitar), Joe Doyle (bass guitar, vocals), Colm Mac Con Iomaire (violin, keyboard and vocals), Rob Bochnik (lead guitar), and Johnny Boyle (drums). On both versions of the album "Fitzcarraldo" the band went by the moniker "The Frames DC", to avoid being mistaken with a United States band of the same name.

The Frames have been together since 1990 and are a survivor of Dublin's prolific early 90's rock and roll scene. They have also been essential in the development of the current crop of emerging Irish rock bands, such as Turn. The Frames have toured with various other Irish artists, including Damien Rice and Bell X1. In December 2004, Hansard appeared on stage in a collaboration with singer songwriter Paddy Casey.

The name The Frames reportedly arose from Hansard's habit, at a young age, of fixing the bicycles of many of his friends. The large number of bicycle frames lying around his house led neighbours to dub it the "house with the frames".

Their new, 6th studio album, The Cost, is available in Ireland since 22 September 2006 and worldwide since 20 February 2007.

Lead singer Hansard recently collaborated with Czech musician Markéta Irglová, which led to the solo album "The Swell Season". Glen and Markéta also star and perform in the John Carney movie Once (www.oncethemovie.com). The movie received several awards including the World Cinema Audience Award - Dramatic at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival as well as an Oscar for best Song for the track "Falling Slowly".

On several occasions the members of The frames appear on stage during the Swell season gigs.

www.theframes.ie

Locusts
The Frames Lyrics

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Don't go outside tonight
the locusts fill the sky
and the devils work is never done
and the gypsy curse you wore
cant hurt us anymore
as we raise our glasses to our mouths
and its all for one

and the bells that rang in hope
are still swinging from the ropes
we thought we'd one day perish on
and the tune you never wrote
and the words you never spoke
have gathered up and need a song

I'm moving off, I'm packing up
I'm willing to be wrong..

now your giving up the ghost
to the one who meant the most
and one day when she least expects she'll know
and the words you never spoke
and the tune you never wrote
won't write itself or wait for evermore

I'm moving off, I'm packing up
I'm willing to be wrong..

Overall Meaning

The Frames' "Locusts" is a song that deals with themes of fear, regret, and change. The lyrics describe a scene where the singer warns against going outside due to the presence of locusts, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for a larger, looming danger. The phrase "the devil's work is never done" suggests that this threat is ongoing and possibly unending. The mention of a "gypsy curse" could represent a past mistake or misfortune that once plagued the singer but has ceased to have any power.

The song then shifts to a melancholic reflection on missed opportunities, particularly the "tune you never wrote" and the "words you never spoke." The repetition of this phrase highlights a sense of regret for not having the courage or ability to express oneself fully. The mention of the "bells that rang in hope" emphasizes the idea that the future once seemed bright but now appears uncertain. The final verse depicts the singer "moving off" and "packing up" - possibly leaving behind a former life or way of thinking - and being willing to make mistakes along the way.

Overall, the song seems to express a sense of unease and uncertainty in the face of an ambiguous threat. At the same time, it encourages a willingness to embrace change and accept the possibility of failure.

Line by Line Meaning

Don't go outside tonight
It is not safe to venture outside at this time

the locusts fill the sky
A metaphor for the overwhelming feeling of danger and chaos in the air

and the devils work is never done
Evil deeds and chaos never cease

and the gypsy curse you wore
A past curse with no present impact

cant hurt us anymore
The curse has lost its power over us

as we raise our glasses to our mouths
Despite the danger outside, we will continue to enjoy our lives

and its all for one
Our companionship and unity make us stronger

and the bells that rang in hope
The bells that once symbolized hope and safety

are still swinging from the ropes
Remnants of a past era of security

we thought we'd one day perish on
We once feared these bells would toll for our doom

and the tune you never wrote
The thoughts and emotions left unsaid